Mortgages for Expats with EU Nationality

If you hold the nationality of a European Union member state or Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you are not required to provide a permanent residence permit when applying for a mortgage. Expats with income from employment can apply for a Rabobank mortgage under regular conditions. You can borrow up to 100% of the market value of your property, and even 106% if you wish to make sustainable improvements to your home.

Mortgages for Expats with Non-EU Nationality

If you have a nationality other than those mentioned above or hold a temporary residence permit, you will need to provide a residence document issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service or a sticker in your passport indicating:

A permanent residence permit in the Netherlands
An EU residence permit for long-term residents
A document indicating "Sustainable residents in the Union"
A residence permit in the Netherlands for a non-temporary purpose
As defined in Article 3.5 of the Foreigners Regulation

Calculating Your Mortgage

Calculating your mortgage is crucial when buying a house as an expat. It allows you to determine your eligibility before entering the housing market.

While online tools are available, it's recommended to schedule an appointment with a mortgage lender or advisor for accurate calculations.

They can assess your maximum mortgage, as well as determine:

Your preference for lower monthly payments by considering a lower cash amount
The flexibility that allows you to have more funds for other expenses

Before committing to the highest possible mortgage amount, it's important to evaluate your financial situation. Opting for a maximum mortgage may result in higher monthly payments than a lower loan amount. Understanding your financial limits can prevent challenges in affording monthly payments, potentially leading to financial difficulties.

Determining the Mortgage Amount

In 2023, the maximum mortgage amount can be up to 106% of the property's value. However, additional factors such as income, credit score, and NHG (National Mortgage Guarantee) borrowing borrowing up to €355,000 in 2023 will determine your maximum mortgage.

With every saving percentage, this amount increases to €429,300. It's crucial to consider these measures, as they impact your mortgage calculations.

Mortgage Interest Rates: Variable Rate and Fixed Rate

Once you have calculated the mortgage you can obtain, it's important to consider your mortgage interest rates. Every month, your mortgage interest rate can change.

Mortgage interest rates come in two types: variable rate and fixed rate. After calculating your mortgage interest rates, it's helpful to determine in advance whether you want a fixed or variable option, as both have advantages and disadvantages.

Fixed Rate

With a fixed-rate mortgage, you lock a specific interest rate for a certain period
Good for those wanting predictable, consistent monthly payments
Protects against market rate increases